Abdel-Wahed El-Sayed hangs up his boots

El-Sayed loyally served the Cairo giants for 17 years before spending his final season at Misr El-Maqassa, helping them to a fourth-placed domestic league finish.

“I decided to retire after I spent a year with Misr El-Maqassa and a long time serving Zamalek,” the former goaltender told kooora.com.

“I received many offers from [Egyptian] Premier League sides but I preferred to retire and end my career. I’ve done enough with my previous achievements and look forward to tending to my personal life,” he added.

Abdel-WahedEl-Sayed was also a national team stalwart, winning two Africa Cup of Nations titles as Egypt’s reserve goalkeeper.

Over the course of his lengthy career El-Sayed won 10 domestic titles and a handful of championships at the continental level, all with Zamalek. He also claimed individual accolades, including Best Goalkeeper in Africa in 2002 and Best Goalkeeper in Egypt in 2003.

El-Sayed is undecided about his post-retirement endeavors.

“I haven’t decided my next step in the world of football, whether administrative or coaching, but I plan to be back in one of these capacities at some point.”

Youssef Wael is a massive Al Ahly and Manchester United supporter from Cairo, Egypt. One of the few Egyptians who never really wanted to have a career in football, just played it as a hobby. Wael also played squash for 7 years.